A scoping review of post opioid-overdose interventions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Nonfatal opioid overdose is a critical predictor of fatal overdose.
• The period following a nonfatal overdose presents a key opportunity for intervention.
• Numerous post-overdose intervention models have emerged across the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe US-based post-overdose intervention models.
• To review programs documented in peer-reviewed and gray literature.
• To understand interventions implemented in public health and community settings.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed, guided by the PRISMA Checklist.
• Searches were conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, PsychInfo, and Academic OneFile.
• Inclusion criteria required availability of program name, key components, intervention team, and timing.

Main Results:

• A total of 27 post-overdose programs were identified: 3 from peer-reviewed literature and 24 from gray literature.
• Nine programs were based in Emergency Departments (ED), while 18 offered support through home visits, mobile outreach, or law enforcement diversion.
• Commonly, these programs involve collaborations between public safety and community service providers.

Conclusions:

• Post-overdose programs are increasingly prevalent in the US.
• Significant variability exists in program timing, components, and follow-up, with limited data on effectiveness.
• Future research should prioritize the evaluation and testing of these programs to establish best practices.